A WORD ABOUT WASTE

Reducing Food Waste During the Holiday Season
November 22, 2011 (Worldwatch Institute)

"…In the United States, we generate an extra 5 million tons of household waste each year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, including three times as much food waste as at other times of the year…Consumers in developed countries such as the United States are responsible for 222 million tons of [food] waste…nearly the same quantity of food as is produced in all of sub-Saharan Africa…

"…[T]o help reduce the amount…Before the meal: Plan your menu and exactly how much food you’ll need…Be realistic…[and] Plan ahead…During the meal: Control the amount on your plate to reduce the amount in the garbage…Go small…Encourage self-serve…"


From jasonxgoodman via YouTube

"After the meal: Make the most out of leftovers…Store leftovers safely…Compost food scraps…Create new meals…Donate excess…Support food-recovery programs…In New York City, City Harvest, the world’s first food-rescue organization, collects approximately 28 million pounds of food each year that would otherwise go to waste, providing groceries and meals for over 300,000 people…

"Throughout the holiday season: Consider what you’re giving…Give gifts with thought: When giving food as a gift, avoid highly perishable items and make an effort to select foods that you know the recipient will enjoy rather than waste. The Rainforest Alliance…certified chocolates, coffee, and teas are great gifts that have with long shelf-lives, and buying them helps support businesses and individuals across the world…[T]he simple changes we make, such as using food responsibly and donating excess to the hungry, can help make the holiday season more plentiful and hunger-free for all."